Is it Possible to Have Weight-Loss Resistance?

Is there such a thing as weight-loss resistance? I believe I am experiencing this very thing!! Our culture is always trying to put all of us in one box, to where the same solutions should work for every person. We are ALL unique. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another. Even personal trainers and practitioners relay that same message to women everyday.

So, what is weight-loss resistance? Weight-loss resistance arises when a woman develops or has a preexisting metabolic imbalance that makes losing weight and maintaining healthy weight extremely challenging, despite her best efforts to eat less and exercise more.

According to Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, there are six core systemic imbalances that greatly contribute to weight-loss resistance in women:
      1.  Hormonal imbalance (including thyroid dysfunction)
      2.  Adrenal imbalance (this one I have been diagnosed with)
      3.  Neurotransmitter imbalance
      4.  Digestive imbalance
      5.  Systemic Inflammation
      6.  Impaired detoxification

So what does a person do besides cry themselves to sleep every night! I have never had a weight problem until I hit my mid 50s. My hormones and digestive system has become imbalanced, and dealing with stressful situations have caused my adrenal's to be overworked and I've become exhausted. OK, so what do you do...

Marcelle suggests six fundamental measures you can begin to apply today:

      1.  Understand your unique physiology. Work with a functional medicine practitioner to identify any metabolic imbalances keeping you from weight loss. Once you find out  your imbalance, then you can tailor your nutritional plan and lifestyle changes to re-balance your system.

      2.  Get the best raw materials.  Eating three well-balanced meals and two snacks each day! Organic fruits and vegetables are good choices, but also be sure to include some high-quality protein like legumes, nuts, fish, or lean organic meats. I love the whey protein shakes with almond milk (or water) when I'm in a hurry and need to rush out the door. It's a wonderful snack!

      3.  Move your body.  Don't be discouraged by your past efforts of fruitless workouts. Regular exercise is integral to a woman's health! Overcoming weight-loss resistance and resetting your metabolism will generally require a little sweat... My practitioner suggested for me, 30 minutes walks three times a week, until my adrenals start functioning as they should. I am starting to feel a lot better.

      4.  Address stress and emotional health.  Explore what is working and not working in your life. For some, rebalancing your body may be as easy as ending a troubling relationship!  If that is out of the question, then finding ways to ease the stress will greatly help. Find time to get away, take long walks, do breathing exercises, read, or have tea with a friend; anything to help yourself.

      5.  Find time to restore and SLEEP.  If you are serious about losing weight, sleep has to become a top priority. Did you know that sleep plays an integral role in how hungry we feel? Studies show that getting too little sleep causes us to consume more calories. A total of eight hours is needed to overcome weight-loss resistance.

      6.  Gain the benefit of a supportive social network.  Research shows that people who join together in their weight-loss efforts are more successful. So find a friend or a group and reap the benefits!

Now, take your disheartened feelings and the guilt (from not being able to lose weight) and release them for good; from your body, your soul, and your mind. Weight-loss resistance is not our fault! Once we address the imbalance, the weight will come off.  I really hope so!!

Here's to your health!

The Lord heals your diseases, redeems your life from the pit, satisfies you with good, shows compassion to his children, and knows your frame. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Psalm 103: 3-14